Several studies indicate that there is a strong link between green tea and health. Researchers are finding that people who drink green tea on a regular basis tend to live longer and healthier lives. A person can reduce his risks for cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease just by drinking a few cups each day.
Green tea has a long history in eastern cultures. According to the National Institutes of Health, green tea has been used in China for more than 5,000 years. It was often used as an aid to help people stay alert while they meditated. Green tea consists of dried leaves from a shrub known as Camellia sinensis. As a result of numerous studies, the green tea health benefits are being taken more seriously.
Green Tea Cancer Prevention
An increasing number of studies indicate that a person can dramatically reduce her chances of developing cancer by regularly drinking green tea. Cancer cell growth is slowed by an antioxidant known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that is contained within the green tea. This antioxidant specifically targets cancer cells that contain a protein known as laminin receptor.
These findings are included in a study that was published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology (April, 2004). According to researchers, EGCG can help prevent numerous cancers including those affecting the breasts, lungs, and prostate. Researchers say a person can get the cancer prevention benefit of green tea by drinking two or three cups daily.
Benefit of Green Tea for the Brain
It appears that another benefit of green tea is that it protects the brain form the deterioration associated with Alzheimer's disease. According to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience (September 21, 2005), the EGCG in green tea reduces the production of a protein called beta-amyloid, which damages nerves in the brain, causing memory loss.
Researchers say the study, which was conducted on mice, indicates that green tea supplements may help treat and prevent Alzheimer's. During the study, Alzheimer's mice were injected daily with pure EGCG for several months. Researchers noticed a 54 percent reduction in the plaque build up associated with Alzheimer's. Researchers say green tea supplements are best because the liquid tea contains flavonoids which block the effects of EGCG. They suggest taking 1600 mg daily.
Green Tea Health Benefits for the Heart
The prevention of heart disease is also on the list of green tea health benefits and has been the subject of much research. An eleven year study in Japan that appears in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2006;296:1255-65) suggests that drinking green tea can significantly reduce a person's risk of dying from heart disease.
More than 40,000 people participated in the study. Researchers found that the over all death rate, as well as deaths from heart disease among the participants who drank 5 cups of green tea daily was significantly lower than those who drank less than one cup every day. Researchers believe antioxidants contained in green tea, which have a positive impact on blood pressure and cholesterol levels, are responsible for the cardiovascular benefits.
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